Sri Lanka’s external sector showed a modest performance during the month of January 2016. The trade deficit narrowed in January 2016 while foreign currency inflows in the form of tourist earnings recorded a relatively high growth and inflows from workers’ remittances also improved. The trade deficit narrowed on account of the higher decline in import expenditure mainly due to the drop in fuel, vehicle and rice imports, compared to the decline in earnings from exports during January 2016. However, the government securities market and the Colombo Stock Exchange recorded net outflows during the period.
Published Date:
Friday, May 6, 2016